“Last year, a super PAC dedicated to electing House Democrats asked voters something that would shape the midterm cycle: Did they blame greedy corporations or corrupt, out of touch politicians for their economic problems?” the Washington Post reports.

“Politicians, by a 2-to-1 margin.”

“The finding helped make corruption a central line of attack in the party’s campaign to regain control of Congress, fueling advertisements in battleground states across the country. Tying corruption to voters’ economic malaise, Democrats learned, gave new potency to a criticism of President Donald Trump that the party had struggled for years to make stick.”

New York Times: “Allegations of corruption in Washington are nothing new in political campaigns. They are usually shrugged off by voters who figure all politicians are equally guilty, whether they be Democrats such as former Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey or Republicans like former Representative George Santos of New York. But Democratic efforts to bolster the issue this year may be resonating amid a drumbeat of stories about Mr. Trump’s staggering increase in wealth and the billionaire and corporate elites who have supported him.”

“Some recent polls have shown corruption has risen to the top of issues that voters say they care about most, fueled by a withering distrust in government and a sense of opacity in Washington.”

MS NOW: As voters head to the polls, questions about Trump’s financial dealings grow.

“Americans’ concern with what they view as government corruption is defining midterm races across the country, as voters from both parties consistently rank the issue second only to the economy and high prices,” the Washington Post reports.

“Corruption has particularly animated the crucial Senate battleground of Texas, where Republicans are scrambling to prevent the first Senate Democratic victory since 1988 as state Rep. James Talarico (D) pounds Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) with tens of millions of dollars in advertising calling him corrupt.”

New York Times: Ken Paxton’s state-funded jet-setting draws campaign scrutiny.

Wall Street Journal: “Trump and White House aides have privately expressed frustration about the negative headlines that have been plastered across newspaper front pages and on cable news in recent weeks.”

”The stories have prompted hand-wringing from Republican campaign operatives, who worry that the alleged self-dealing could make an already challenging midterm election even more difficult for GOP candidates.”

“Voters are now more concerned about government corruption than any other issue, including high grocery and gas prices, according to the final CNBC All-America Economic Survey before the Nov. 3 midterm election.”

“The finding follows a monthslong messaging effort by Democrats to link widespread economic dissatisfaction with what they allege is rampant corruption by President Donald Trump and his Republican allies.”

“CNBC’s survey of 1,000 registered U.S. voters found 36% of respondents pointing to government corruption as one of the most important issues facing the country right now. The cost of food and groceries came second with 34%, followed by protecting democracy and the price of gas, which garnered 23% each.”

Earlier for members: It’s the Corruption Too, Stupid